April 28, 2017 / In , ,

Valley businesses helping #GrowAReader with virtual book drive during May

Help children in need foster a love of reading.

Local businesses are calling on early literacy supporters to help them #GrowAReader this May by participating in Southwest Human Development’s Grow A Reader virtual book drive.

“Unfortunately, lots of kids arrive in kindergarten unprepared and without the early literacy skills they need to be successful,” said Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development. “They tend to be the same kids that start behind and stay behind. We’re trying to change that.”

Taking a Grow A Reader flower from participating Valley businesses is the first step in helping Southwest Human Development grow young readers across Arizona. Supporters can “pick a flower” and buy a book from the online shopping cart to help get books into the hands of children who need them most.

According to a Scholastic Access to Books report, the average child has 13 books in their home library, but children in low-income neighborhoods have just one book for every 300 kids.

Children without access to early literacy materials often face challenges as they enter school and prepare for their education. For families who struggle to make ends meet, purchasing new books simply does not compete with priorities like providing food, clothing and shelter. Reading books from widely-cherished childhood authors like Dr. Seuss is not a childhood right, but a privilege.

Visit our online shopping cart today to donate a book to a child in need!

Grow A Reader virtual book drive donations are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Flowerpots can be displayed at businesses, schools, organizations, or even at home. To request a Grow A Reader flowerpot, contact Annette Sutfin at (602) 633-8416 or [email protected].

Stop by one of our favorite local businesses to pick a flower, buy a book, and Grow A Reader!

Arizona Central Credit Union

2020 N. Central Ave. Ste. 300, Phoenix 

Bicycle Nomad Café

828 N. 2nd St., Phoenix

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

709 W. Ray Rd., Gilbert

Buffalo Exchange

3450 N. 7th St., Phoenix

Cartel Coffee Lab

1 N. 1st St., Phoenix

CVS Pharmacy

Click here to find a location near you

Even Stevens Sandwich Shop

384 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert

1015 S. Rural Rd., Tempe

21 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

Jason’s Deli

10217 N. Metro Pkwy W., Phoenix

Jobot Coffee & Diner

333 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix

Joes Diner

4515 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix

Nektar Juice Bar

21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste., Phoenix

2045 E. Camelback Rd. Ste. A16, Phoenix

4340 Indian School Rd., Ste. 19, Phoenix

15425 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 180, Scottsdale

20553 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. #105, Scottsdale

6137 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 105, Scottsdale

9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale

9500 E. Via De Ventura., Ste. D-210, Scottsdale

One Coffee Co

1 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen

7325 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd #101, Scottsdale

Revolver Records

136 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix

Songbird Coffee & Tea House

812 N. 3rd St., Phoenix

Spinato’s Pizzeria

227 S. Smith Rd., Tempe

11108 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. #118, Scottsdale

1614 E. Bell Rd. #104, Phoenix

4848 E .Chandler Blvd., Phoenix

5509 N. 7th St., Phoenix

Street Coffee

625 N. 7th St., Phoenix

Urban Beans Café

3508 N. 7th St., #100, Phoenix